This bookcase bears the initials of Andreas Everardus van Braam Houckgeest (Dutch, 1739-1801), who was employed in various capacities throughout his life by the Dutch East India Company (founded in 1602 to oversee Dutch trade with East Asia). In June of 1796, Van Braam bought a farm near Bristol, Pennsylvania, where he constructed "China's Retreat," a fifteen-room house with Chinese features.

Bookcase

This bookcase bears the initials of Andreas Everardus van Braam Houckgeest (Dutch, 1739-1801), who was employed in various capacities throughout his life by the Dutch East India Company (founded in 1602 to oversee Dutch trade with East Asia). In June of 1796, Van Braam bought a farm near Bristol, Pennsylvania, where he constructed "China's Retreat," a fifteen-room house with Chinese features.